Job Title
Mechanical Design Engineer
Reporting to
Mechanical Design Manager
About the Company
With a justifiably proud history stretching back to 1958, this globally recognised leader in OEM hydraulic test and motion simulation systems develops innovative solutions to meet ever more demanding customer testing specifications. Products are sold and installed worldwide via our direct sales and commissioning teams from operations based in UK, USA and China.
Overall Purpose of the Role
Responsible for producing manufacturing packages of mechanical ‘System Elements’ comprising of General Assembly drawings (GA’s), detail manufacturing drawings, Bills of Materials (BoM’s) and entering the data onto the manufacturing system to allow procurement. ‘System Elements’ are typically Actuators, Solenoid control manifolds, Cardan Bearings and Load cells. When assigned a sole work package the Mechanical Designer will assume the accountability of a ‘Lead Engineer’, managing the project to deliver it on time, to specification and to cost. The Mechanical Designer may also lead a Junior Designer, and similarly assume the accountability of a ‘Lead Engineer’. The term ‘Lead Engineer’ defines the person accountable to manage the project phase while in the mechanical design department, covering scope queries, progress tracking, resource requirements, supply chain and project management coordination, and final release checks. The scope of the role may include focused supporting of suppliers, production and service queries depending on the needs of the business and the experience of the individual.
Reporting Lines
* Responsible to Mechanical Design Manager for line management.
* May be responsible to a Lead engineer for technical guidance and/or prioritising work when part of a team project (when another engineer is assigned the duty of the Lead engineer).
Main Duties & Accountabilities
* The individual shall work as part of a mechanical team which designs mechanical assemblies for bespoke motion control simulation systems.
* Design moderately complex ‘System Elements’ and produce manufacturing packages along with hydraulic schematics to allow procurement. Many system elements will be adapted from existing designs.
* Ensure designs satisfy functional performance requirements and legislative requirements such as the Machinery Directive, Pressure Equipment Directive to facilitate UKCA or CE compliance, taking the appropriate guidance.
* Working under the guidance of senior engineers may design innovative or new designs of ‘System Elements’ or layout a complete new mechanical system, including installation of the ring main and power pack for Projects and Sales proposals.
* Embrace ‘Design for Manufacture and Assembly’ (DFMA) for ‘System Elements’ and test rig hardware, covering ease of serviceability in the field.
* Be conversant with the company’s MRP system to input BOM’s.
* Hold design reviews to convey and exchange ideas between stakeholders and steer decisions to move designs forward.
* Create assembly procedures and design test rig verification hardware to support production.
* Compile design guidelines to capture knowledge into the mechanical library.
* When acting as ‘Lead’ Engineer, maintain an up-to-date ‘Mechanical Project Tracker’ to show progress of releasing components and log issues to be resolved.
* Create and maintain the ‘Technical Construction File’ to capture project scope changes, compliance demonstrations, calculations and source data relied on.
* Support the company’s ‘Continuous Improvement’ philosophy.
* Support the company’s ‘Health and Safety’ policy.
* Comply with the company’s ‘Quality & Environmental Management’ system when executing duties.
* Assist Project engineers with Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS) and manuals.
* Assist Project engineers or Production in the build and/or test of motion control simulation systems as and when necessary, and feed lessons learnt to enhance machine designs.
* Act as the central point within the company for logging all mechanical supplier concession requests, allocating them, ensuring they are completed on time and maintaining up‑to‑date records/drawings.
Working Knowledge and Experience When Fully Competent in the Role
* Able to coach junior engineers in ‘System Element’ detail design.
* Understand principles of operation of various ‘System Elements’ (e.g., Actuators).
* Understand design parameters which influence performance of these ‘System Elements’.
* Proficient in conducting basic stress analysis and material selection for ‘System Elements’ (e.g., assessing cylinder stresses using FEA, checking bearing head bolt loadings, sizing cardan bearings).
* Able to size snubbers using in‑house software.
* Able to use ACE 5 in‑house software to select servo valves.
* Proficient in producing accurate drawings that do not require in‑depth checking.
* Able to take the ‘Lead Engineer’ role on projects comprising separate ‘System Elements’ rather than leading the design of a complete mechanical system.
* Motivated to enhance product design by proactively providing ideas to reduce material cost, assembly time, ease of manufacture and/or improve performance reliability.
* Conduct fault‑finding and problem‑solving to identify root causes for service or in‑house factory acceptance issues.
Skills and Experience
* HND or degree qualified and/or at least 5 years’ experience working in a design and manufacturing environment for hydraulic/pneumatic equipment and/or mechanisms incorporating precision machined components.
* Practical experience with heavy plant machinery, welded structures, pipework, or having completed a mechanical engineering apprenticeship.
* Attention to detail with excellent data management and configuration control.
* In‑depth ability to utilise 3D modelling packages, ideally SolidWorks.
* Thorough understanding of producing manufacturing drawings of machined and fabricated components in accordance with BS 8888.
* Thorough understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to BS 8888 and Limits and Fits to BS 4500.
* Ability to detail design cost‑effective solutions by selecting suitable manufacturing processes and balancing lead time, cost and quantity constraints.
* Conduct tolerance analysis to verify assembled design functions under manufacturing variability.
* Knowledge of DraftSight desirable for updating 2D legacy work.
* Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
* Ability to travel to customer sites worldwide as, and when required.
Personal Qualities
* Ability to manage time efficiently for the allocated work package to meet project time scales.
* Motivated with a ‘Can do’ approach to work around design obstacles.
* Adopt a diligent, accurate approach to work aiming for a ‘First time right’ design mentality.
* Proactive communicator capable of collaborating with other team members on joint projects.
* Team player willing to liaise with all business areas covering Purchasing, Production, Project Operations and Customers to achieve the best outcome for the business.
* Flexible hands‑on approach and willingness to support others.
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